Show Me State 16 USA and National Ready to Rock
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The 16s are a week away from heading west to participate in the 2021 Girls Junior National Championships. It is an exciting time for these players, their coaches, and their families after missing out on this opportunity a year ago.…
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Continue ReadingThe 16s are a week away from heading west to participate in the 2021 Girls Junior National Championships. It is an exciting time for these players, their coaches, and their families after missing out on this opportunity a year ago. The festivities will begin on Friday, July 2nd, and conclude on July 5th. Here are the Missouri teams participating in the USA and National Division.
Rockwood Thunder 16 Navy
How did they get here? Big South qualified
Other notes: 5th Gateway League, 9th MEQ, 5th Show Me
16 Navy is primed to make a deep run in the USA Division. We believe they are battle-tested and have the pieces in order to make a lengthy run at nationals. Our opinion is this team has a couple of the best tandems on the outside and at the middle position in the upcoming tournament. On the pins, Mattie Reynolds Mattie Reynolds 5'9" | OH Lutheran St. Charles | 2023 State MO and Abigail Siess Abigail Siess 5'11" | OH Westminster Christian | 2023 State MO have powered this team. Joining these dynamic players in the middle are Tess McConnell Tess McConnell 6'0" | MB Oakville | 2023 State MO and Gracy Weikel. McConnell has come on strong this spring and will be a player to continue to watch this fall. Libero Dana Grib Dana Grib 5'4" | DS/L Eureka | 2023 State MO has been electric and brings fire to the court each match out. Taylor Dumm Taylor Dumm 5'9" | S Francis Howell | 2023 State MO is an improved setter and making a name for herself heading into her Junior season.
Mavs 816 16-1
How did they get here? 2nd Place Power League
Other notes:9th Show Me, 25th MEQ
Mavs 816 put the region on alert after a second-place finish in one of the most competitive power leagues in the country. They have been competitive in their qualifier and tournament play in the Open Division, which should prepare them for the National division. They will benefit from having one of their top players available for the first two days of competition in MB Aisha Aiono Aisha Aiono 6'3" | MB Liberty | 2023 State MO . She is a difference-maker with her ability to score but her defensive presence is a game-changer. She will certainly be available for the final day and we will watch to monitor her availability on day 3. Many players are capable of providing a spark on this roster. Ashlyn Bellamy Ashlyn Bellamy 6'1" | OH Lee's Summit | 2023 State MO has proven she is one of the top young hitters in the region and possibly the country. She is fearless and a gamer. Libero Sidney Kacsir flies around the court keeping balls alive to keep rallies going. Setter Molly Brown Molly Brown 5'10" | S Lee's Summit West | 2023 State MO has been consistent and makes smart decisions with the ball. Look for Emma Siron Emma Siron 5'9" | OH Sacred Heart | 2023 State MO and Kira Cherry Kira Cherry 5'11" | OH Oak Park | 2023 State MO to be key in the tournament run.
HPSTL 16 Royal
How did they get here? Gateway Bid Play
Other notes? 25th at Sunshine, 10th in Gateway League, 14th Windy City, 5th Show Me
16 Royal had a difficult qualifier season but played strong during the bid tournament to capture a bid to Las Vegas in the National division of the 16s age group. They have a roster of players hungry and looking forward to making noise in the coming day. Middle play is not an issue with this team with Kylie Stehlin Kylie Stehlin 6'2" | MB Rockwood | 2023 State MO , Ava Waltenberger, and Elise Paul Elise Paul 6'0" | MB Lutheran South | 2023 State MO taking turns beating on defensives and sending back balls at the offense. Emma Blaine Emma Blaine 6'0" | MB St. Dominic | 2023 State MO has been a pleasant surprise on the right side. She has had some good tournament showings in 2021. Addison Kersting Addison Kersting 5'11" | S St. Charles | 2023 State MO is one of the many quality setters in the class of 2023 representing the Show-Me State at nationals. She will look to feed the ball to outside hitters Brianna Wortman Brianna Wortman 5'10" | OH Francis Howell | 2023 State MO and Shelby Truit. Libero Ella Gaona is a player you must see with her playmaking abilities.